Tobago Blog #2 An Island Tour and a walk through the Rain Forest


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Published: March 18th 2015
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Hello Family and Friends

We decided it was time to branch out a bit and see some of the island. I met a lady on the beach from Canada who lives here 6 months of the year who recommended an excellent tour guide called "Mr. Piggy"! And the island tour certainly didn't disappoint. It was a great day with Mr. Piggy and our driver Jeremy.

We started north along the Caribbean side and as soon as we left the Crown Point area, the landscape became very hilly and lush. Kind of reminded us of Costa Rica. The further we went the more mountaineous it became and the road became steep and windy with breathtaking views along the coast. Much of the interior is protected reserve forest with no road access. The one road that goes around the island is the only method of transportation other than a few side roads in the south.

We always are willing to pay a little extra to take a private tour so we can get a one on one experience and to be able to ask questions along the way. Mr. Piggy filled us in many facets of life in Tobago.


• Tobago joined Trinidad as a British Colony in 1889
• Population - 54,084
• Size - 300 km 2
• Trinidad and Tobago is the one the most wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean
• Resources and Exports ( Trinidad & Tobago combined) oil and gas, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton, cocoa, vegetables, flowers, bamboo, coconut oil and tourism is growing
• cost of living is high but has a very low unemployment rate. According to Mr. Piggy, the only ones who don't have jobs are the lazy!
• many people are self employed
• education is free up till university and most health care is covered
• major religion is Baptist
• there is a low crime rate and there is some corruption in the police and government
• Tobago aspires to be self sufficient and tries to avoid importation



As we travelled along we visited a coconut plantation that is the original sight of where the slaves were brought to work from Africa. It is hard to believe that happened! We also noticed the brightly colored homes along the way which appeared very modern and well kept. However, I guess it's not the same everywhere as we entered the capital of Scarborough we learned it is called "Shanty Town" known for its run down homes and unattractive buildings. Mr. Piggy said it's always been this way and I guess every country has these kind of places. Smaller cruise ships dock here where they head off on island excursions. As we got futher along the Caribbean we noticed lots of sturdy bamboo trees. Apaarently they used the heavy poles to balance the ships from Africa and England.

Mr. Piggy suggested we take the tour on a Sunday as there would be less traffic and we would catch a glimpse of the local people enjoying their day off. Sunday is a definite family day here and a day to spend with friends. You can see groups of people enjoying themselves and always with loud reggae music in the background. Mr. Piggy says the reggae music they play in their yards in a sign of happiness and everyone looks out for each other. And they talk loud, almost shouting, but that's their way!! We saw lots of fishing boats moored in the bays as Sunday is their day off. Most of the villages along the coast are rich in fish. At this time of the year, Mahi Mahi is the most abundent.

As we continued along the Caribbean we came across one of the oldest planted trees in Tobago. It was planted by Queen Victoria in the 1800's. It's a gigantic cotton sil tree that has spiritual connections to the local people. We came upon a series of spectacular sweeping bays and beaches. My pictures just didn't do the scenery justice . . . . Paridise Peak, Castara Bay, Parlatuvier Bay and Englishman's Bay to name a few. We swam at Englishman's Bay and then stopped after at a little place along the road that had a natural spring running from the lush rain forest. It was so refreshing as I showered off the sea salt from from swim. The water is also known as the fountain of youth so I expect to look 10 years younger now!

We stopped at Jenna's TreeHouse Restuarant for lunch. It was probably the best local food we have had on the island. We enjoyed a tasty green salad, barbecued chicken, egg, cheese & potato souflee, stir fried veggies, rice and acee balls. The restuarant sits in a large tree with a beautiful view of the ocean.

After lunch we continued to journey through the rain forest as we started to head back on the Atlantic side. We were told the forest is home to many trees and shrubs but most noticely Bamboo Trees, Cocoa Trees, Elephant Trees and an attractive red flowered tree called The Immortal Tree which is an equisite hard wood and adds color to the forest. The forest is also home to the popular "Pollyanna" type parrot which can be heard screaching. Our next stop was a walk in the rain forest that took us to Argyle Waterfalls. It was such a beautiful and peaceful hike. As we neared the falls we started a strenuous climb on jutted rocks. The highlight for me was standing under the falls for a invigerating shower!! So fun and the water felt so soft on my skin after.

We continued on home along the Atlantic which was quite rough compared to the Caribbean side. It was interesting to pass through the little villages and watch the local people going about their business. All and all it was an excellent island tour and we would highly recommend it if you ever are vacationing in Tobago.

Have a great day! We're down to our last two weeks. Yikes!!



Mallory and Warren


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Cotton Sil TreeCotton Sil Tree
Cotton Sil Tree

Planted by Queen Victoria




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18th March 2015
Rain forest beauty

beautiful pics
thanks so much for the virtual tour...looks wonderful & you no doubt will have many great memories to share!!!
20th March 2015

Love it!
So Beautiful! I am so enjoying sharing this vacation with you. Thanks for the explanation and information and pics! Take care!

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